Woodland should be preserved

SURREY Wildlife Trust has been criticised for its management of woodland around Chobham less than a year after it took over management of Surrey County Council’s countryside. The Trust has angered members of Chobham Parish Council with plans to cut swathes through Monks Walk woodland. Parish council member Ken Carter said Monks Walk was one of only two ‘decent areas of woodland’ around the village and needed preserving. He says villagers’ desire to protect the woodland had the backing of experts from the Forestry Commission. Mr Carter said: “There was a meeting between parish council members and the Wildlife Trust but it seems the wishes of the villagers are being ignored. “The Trust wants to cut two swathes through this woodland which it says will act as fauna breaks. There is already a fire ride, which acts as a corridor to stop fire spreading to the main common. We also feel the common has deteriorated since the Trust took over the management.” Mr Carter said a parish poll several years ago gave overwhelming support to preserving the woodland and common land around the village. He said: “Chobham Clump, a landmark site for many years, is deteriorating. The clump, a copse of Scots pine, was damaged by tank activity and replanted 30 years ago. This needs to be preserved. “There is strong feeling in the village that the Trust is riding roughshod over the village and not listening to us.” Managing director of Surrey Wildlife Trust, Alan Hines rejected claims the common had deteriorated under the management of the Trust. He said: “Since we started managing the common we have regular large work parties improving the common. “We have also carried out a number of specific projects requested by local people, such as clearing around the monument at Chobham Clump and we have agreed to look at proposals to take out some of the gorse growing up the verges. “With regard to Monks Walk, people have been asking for thinning of it for years and we have made it happen.” Mr Hines said there had been discussions for several years on Monks Walk. “What everyone agreed is the woods need managing and that is what we plan to do. “The planned scheme was given Forestry Commission agreement almost three years ago, it has not been dreamed up overnight. “There has been substantial discussion with local parties including Chobham Parish Council. The latest was a site visit where we invited immediate neighbours along. Those who attended went away reassured by what they heard. “Our attitude to Monks Walk is that it could be a lovely wood and a place for quiet reflection. We want to maintain and enhance it as much of it has become overgrown.” Mr Hines said the Trust was planning to thin trees in some parts so others can grow better and to give an improved appearance but said ‘swathes’ was a “completely inappropriate” description. “We plan to cut two wildlife corridors to join up heathland on either side of the woods, cutting along the line with the least trees, joining up the existing openings. “The corridors are planned for wildlife and visual purposes, if there was to be a fire they will have a fire break effect but that is not the main purpose, it is incidental.”